Wenger slams early Premier League start date

Arsene Wenger has slammed the Premier League for their decision to start next season a week early.

Several of the Gunners squad will head off for international duty after Saturday's FA Cup final, with just a six-week gap between the end of FIFA’s summer schedule and the beginning of the domestic campaign.

Arsenal duo David Ospina and Alexis Sanchez will take part in the Copa America, which doesn't end until July 4.

And with Arsenal's pre-season preparations getting underway that month, Wenger admits their plans will be affected.

He said: "Moving the fixture calendar forward deeply affects pre-season and I believe it is the wrong decision of the Premier League to start on August 8.

"The players have played the (2014) World Cup, then you have no winter break, you come out (of the Premier League season) and when you reach the FA Cup final, you play on May 30, then the European players who are called up by their international teams play until June 14, then you start (the new season) on August 8.

"If you count six weeks' preparation, where is the time for recovery?"

Walcott set for contract talks

Theo Walcott will hold contract talks with Arsenal next week - and they could open the door for Raheem Sterling.

Walcott, 26, who has one year left on his current £90,000-a-week deal, will sit down with Arsenal after the FA Cup final and his first priority is to stay at the Emirates.

But Walcott’s biggest concern is playing time rather than financial and that will be the key as to whether they can agree a new deal.